Joe Quigley, Alaska Pioneer: Beyond the Gold Rush

by Cheryl Fair

In May 1891, Joe Quigley embarked on a journey north to try his luck prospecting for gold in Alaska. Although he had been wandering across America since leaving home at 15, this would be the biggest adventure, and the biggest risk, Quigley had ever taken. A project that began as genealogical research into a family's history, this biography traces the life of a fascinating character before, during and after the great Klondike gold rush. Deeply researched, including quotes from Quigley and numerous photographs, this book is more than another tale of the Klondike Gold Rush. It is an intimate look at the inspiring life of a pioneer prospector, who witnessed the exploration and development of one of America's most harsh, beautiful and captivating landscapes.

204 pages, Paperback

Published March 4, 2020

Reviews

[Linda Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a first book by Fair, this is amazing to me. So glad that she had all the materials from Quigley himself to rely on, but this is not a dry dull biography. If you have ever wished you could dig for gold, or look for emeralds in South America, or find a diamond lying in the street, you'll like this book, which is well-illustrated, and has very thorough index and source bibliography. For me the cover picture promises what the book delivers. That cairn is awesome...I have two "cairning" friends, so am so glad to see this and know that Joe Quigley built it. Fascinating guy. There is a lot to be said for KEEPING PAPERS!

[Kimberly Rumbarger Talboo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Although it was written by my cousin, Cheryl Fair, about my 3rd great uncle, the book put flesh to bone on Joe. I had heard his story as part of the folk lore that follows people of note but I have no doubt it is still a book I would have chosen to read as part of my love for historical information on how our country was developed and information on early life in Alaska and the gold rush.

I was enthralled at how much ingenuity and brawn was required to start life in a yet unexplored and brutal area of the world as what Alaska was in the early years.

This book is well documented and is a really enjoyable, smoothly flowing read. I was really disappointed when the description of Joe's last days and the book came to an end.

Well done Cheryl Fair. I'm so proud of you for doing such a great job of show casing our uncle Joe's life and his personality. You really captured the essence of a man who was respected by many and who lived his life with passion and integrity. I'm glad you were finally able to show his story as well as what had already been told about his pioneer wife, Fannie Quigley.